Get PRA clearance
If you are ready to get PRA clearance, congratulations! We're here to walk you through the steps. If you are still not sure whether you need PRA clearance for your research, please refer to the previous sections.
If you are ready to submit a Fast Track PRA clearance request, jump down to get started. Otherwise, keep reading for more information.
PRA clearance for CX/UX work
The standard PRA clearance process that you may have heard about typically takes around 6-9 months; however, there is good news! GSA has several different types of PRA clearances that are designed specifically for conducting user research with much faster turnaround times.
Clearance types
| CX/UX PRA clearance type | Purpose | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
Generic Clearance Generic Clearance for the Collection of Qualitative Feedback on Agency Service Delivery (GSA) | Designed for larger-scale UX/CX surveys that will involve statistical analysis. According to pra.digital.gov, "generic clearances almost always involve statistical methods and analysis and most information collections are not appropriate for generic clearances." Good fits for this type of clearance include:
| 30-60 days |
Generic Clearance: Fast-Track (A-11 Section 280) | Designed for smaller-scale UX/CX qualitative research activities. "The Agency will collect, analyze, and interpret information gathered through this generic clearance to identify services' accessibility, navigation, and use by customers, and make improvements in service delivery based on customer insights gathered through developing an understanding of the user experience interacting with Government." Under this request, three types of activities will be conducted to generate customer insights:
| 7-14 days |
Using the Fast Track clearance process at TTS
Because the Fast Track process was designed for smaller scale qualitative user research activities, it is likely that you will be able to use this process as a user researcher at TTS. However, if you are at all uncertain whether you can use this clearance type, or if you have any outstanding questions, please contact OMB's CX PRA Desk Officer before beginning.
Fast Track clearance process overview
What is an ICR?
ICR stands for "Information Collection Request"
Information Collection Requests are what researchers submit when they need to get PRA clearance for their research. PRA clearances are granted to specific Information Collection Requests. In practice, researchers fill out an ICR form with the details of their research and attach any relevant documents to complete the ICR package, which then gets reviewed and approved by lawyers at OMB.
Fast Track examples
The following are examples of research activities at TTS that have gotten clearance through the Fast Track process:
RECRUITMENT activities
RESEARCH activities
- Login.gov In-Person Proofing Follow Up Survey
- Login.gov Remote Identity Verification Optional Survey Question
- Usability Testing of Federal Forms to Reduce Burden, Enhance Data Quality, and Improve Access to Resources
- USA.gov (HISP) Website Customer Satisfaction Feedback Surveys
- USWDS Top Tasks Research Study - Customer Survey Feedback
- User Testing for the Federal Audit Clearinghouse
- IRS Direct File Post Submission Survey
- Pre-engagement Assessment of WorkwithUSAID.org
- USAID Partner Directory User Experience
Additional considerations
Working with a partner agency
If you are doing research on behalf of a partner agency, you should check with them first to determine whether you should follow their PRA clearance process.
Requesting PRA clearance for translated materials
You do need to get an additional PRA clearance for translated materials. However, simply follow the same process outlined above and let OMB's CX PRA Desk Officer know that you are submitting a translation of previously cleared materials.
Submitting a Fast Track clearance request
Because the Fast Track process was designed for smaller scale qualitative user research activities, it is likely that you will be able to use this process as a user researcher at TTS. However, if you are at all uncertain whether you can use this clearance type, or if you have any outstanding questions, please contact OMB's CX PRA Desk Officer before beginning.
What you can expect
Timeline
The entire process typically takes 7-14 business days. However, depending on OMB PRA Reviewer's availability, the timeline may be slightly shorter or longer. Please plan ahead to the best of your ability!
Communication
All communication and submission happens via email.
Steps to submit a Fast Track clearance request
- Fill out an Information Collection Request (ICR) form for your research project.
- Send the completed ICR form to OMB's CX PRA Desk Officer for pre-review.
- Make any necessary edits to the form.
- Submit finalized ICR form to GSA's PRA Desk Officer.
- GSA's PRA Desk Officer will upload your ICR form in ROCIS.
- OMB PRA Reviewer will receive your ICR form in ROCIS and approve it.
- You will be notified when you receive approval by either the GSA PRA Desk Officer or the OMB PRA Reviewer.
ICR A-11 Section 280 Clearance Template
Preview the form below or download if you are ready to fill it out.